Combination washer-dryer



Nov. 29, 1960 J. C. WORST COMBINATION WASHER-DRYER Filed Oct. 26, 1959FIG! 4 Sheets-Sheet l FIG-.4

INVENTOR. JOSEPH C. WORST HIS ATTORNEY Nov 29, 1960 J. c, WRST 2,961,861

COMBINATION WASHER-DRYER Filed Oct. 26, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet a 5 G a a 9.fi /3l INVENTOR.

TO 55 PH C. WORST H IS ATTORNEY Nov. 29, 1960 Filed Oct. '2 1959 J. C.WORST C6MBINATION WASHER-DRYER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 H I 5 ATTORNEYCOMBINATION WASHER-DRYER Joseph C. Worst, Louisville, Ky., assignor toGeneral Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 26, 1959,Ser.'N0. 848,858

10 Claims. (Cl. 6812) This invention relates to combinationwasher-dryers of the type wherein, during washing and drying, theclothes are tumbled in a container rotated on a non-vertical axis; moreparticularly, the invention relates to such machines wherein therotational speed during washing and drying may be continually variedbetween tumbling and a higher speed such as, for instance a lowcentrifuging speed.

Combination washer-dryers perform the combined functions of washingmachines and drying machines. In other words, the same machine washesthe clothes, then spins most of the liquid out of the clothes, and thendries the clothes, generally by heat. The washing portion of thesequence which is provided is in general approximately the same as thatof standard washing machines in that it includes, basically, a washingcycle and at least one rinse cycle to get rid of the washing liquid,both cycles being conducted at a speed which insures tumbling of theclothes in the washing and rinsing liquids. This washing portion of thesequence is followed by a high speed spin operation to effectcentrifugal extraction of liquid from the clothes, and the spinoperation in turn may be followed by the drying operation. In thislatter, heat is generally provided to vaporize moisture from the clothesas they are tumbled in the clothes receptacle.

The tumbling of the clothes is of very substantial importance ineffecting proper washing and rinsing in the first operation precedingthe spin and in effecting proper drying in the last operation subsequentto the spin. Because of the presence of a substantial amount of liquidduring the washing operation, as opposed to the absence of free-standingliquid during the drying operation, the optimum speed for eifectingtumbling of the clothes is slightly different for the two operations;for instance, with a 26-inch diameter cylindrical clothes containerrotating on a horizontal axis, it has been found that the optimumrotational speed for washing is on the, order of 51 r.p.m. whereas theoptimum rotational speed for drying is on the order of 44 r.p.m. Becauseof the expense of providing for two different tumbling speeds, acompromise speed of 47 r.p.m. has generally been provided forcontainers, or baskets, of the type described above. While thecompromise speed provides thoroughly satisfactory results both forwashing and drying, the fact that the speed represents a compromisemeans that it cannot be allowed to vary to any substantial extent duringthe life of the machine otherwise the speed will have departed too farfrom either the optimum washing speed or the optimum drying speed. Forthis reason, it has been necessary to manufacture machines with veryclose tolerances, and this has increased substantially the cost ofproduction of such machines.

I have, however, discovered that a varying speed, wherein the speedtouches the optimum of both the washing operation and the dryingoperation, provides highly satisfactory results in both operations,because the speed is varying, and therefore, the necessity for the closetolerances and the difliculties involved in maintain- United StatesPatent ing one specific tumbling speed throughout the life of themachine can be obviated. I have also found that a continuously varyingspeed such as that described may be used to provide a delicate washingcycle in a tumbler type machine in addition to the regular washingcycle. The delicate cycle is achieved by varying the speed between a lowtumbling speed and a relatively low centrifuging speed, sufficient toplaster the clothes about the inner surface of the clothes receptacle.During the time that the clothes are so plastered, some washing is beingeffected during the washing operation since the clothes are passing inand out of the Wash liquid, but there is no wear on the clotheswhatsoever due to the fact that they are not being tumbled but are beingmaintained in one predetermined position relative to each other and tothe clothes container. By varying the amount of time that the clothesare so maintained centrifugally against the inner surface of thecontainer, longer and shorter periods of tumbling may be achieved forone single total operation of a predetermined length. In view of theforegoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a combinationwasher-dryer having improved means for permitting a single compromisespeed to be replaced by a variable speed suitable both for washing andfor drying.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a combinationwasher-dryer wherein during the washing operation which precedes spin,and during the drying operation which follows spin, the speed of therotating container will continually be varied from a tumbling speed to aspeed sufficient to plaster the clothes centrifugally against the innersurface of the container, and then back to the clothes tumbling speed.

Yet a further object of my invention is to utilize this variable speedfeature to provide 'a delicate cycle wherein the clothes are tumbled foronly that portion of time during which they are at the clothes tumblingspeed. According to one aspect of my invention, I provide a laundrymachine with a clothes receptacle rotatable on a substantiallynon-vertical axis. Suitable drive means are provided for rotating thecontainer, and means are provided for varying the speed at which thedrive means rotates the container. Two separate means for controllingthe container rotational speed are provided: the first such controlmeans causes the drive menas to increase the rotation of the containerfrom a low clothes tumbling speed to a high liquid extracting speed; thesecond control means causes the drive means to continually vary therotation of the container between clothes tumbling speed and a higherspeed, generally one high enough I to centrifugally plaster clothesagainst the inner surface of the container. The structure also includesmeans for providing, first, a washing operation in the container duringcontrol of the drive means by the second control means; second, acentrifuging operation in the container during control of the drivemeans by the first control means; and third, a drying operation in thecontainer during control of the drive means by the second control means.

The use of control means which effects continually a varying speed ofthe container bet-ween a low clothes tumbling speed and a higher speedhas been found to cause both Washing and drying to be effected asdesired without the necessity for a single compromise speed having to bemaintained. In addition, where so desired, the feature of the variablespeeds may be used to provide a delicate cycle inasmuch as during thevarying speed operation the clothes are plastered against the containerpart of the time and therefore are not undergoing the same wear asduring the ordinary tumbling operation. Thus, a continuous tumble may beused for instance for a standard washing operation for regular fabrics,and 'a varying speed operation may be used if delicate fabrics are to belaundered. Or, in similar vein, different varying speed operations, eachproviding different ratios of tumble time to plaster time, may beused-to effect the regular and delicate washtcycles.

The subject .matter which constitutes my invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thisspecification. The invention, both as to organization and method ofoperation together with further objects and advantages thereof, may bestbe understood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevational view-of a combination washer-dryer ofthe type in which my invention may be embodied;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the combination washer-dryer withthe rear panel removed to illustrate details;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the machine, partly in sectionand with certain surfaces broken away to show details;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in cross-section along line 44 in Figurel, with the clothes basket and tub of the machine removed in order toillustrate details of the drive of the machine;

Figure 5 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram illustrating insimplified form a control system for the machine embodying my inventionin one form thereof; and

Figure 6 is a sequence control cam chart illustrating a suitablesequence of operation for the timer switches shown in Figure 5 inorder'to provide an operative cycle for the machine.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown acombination washer and dryer machine where the operating elements of themachine are included within an outer cabinet structure having a centralwrap-around section 1. Section 1 is supported on a base and toe boardassembly 2 and carries a separate top 3 on which is supported abacksplash panel 4 which may, as shown, be mounted on posts 5. Controlpanel 4 is provided with appropriate control devices, such as, forinstance, dial 6a (which provides for various types of washing anddrying sequences), dial 6b (for controlling drying temperature), andlevers 7, 8, 8a and 8b which control various other functions such as,respectively, water temperature, the selection or omission of the heatdrying function after the washing is completed, and whether the washingaction is to be regular or delicate. Access to the interior of themachine is provided by a door 9 formed in section 1 which is mounted onconcealed hinges and is opened by means of a latch control 10.

As best shown in Figure 3, the machine is of the horizontal axis type,that is, it has a substantially cylindrical clothes container, orbasket, 11 mounted for rotation on a generally nonvertical(specifically, in this case, horizontal) axis within an outer enclosingtub structure 12. Basket 11 comprises acylindrical shell or wall 13which is closed at its rear end by means of a suitable wall or plate 14.The basket also includes a front wall 15 which is formed so as to definean access or loading opening 16 in registry with an opening 17 providedin wraparound section 1 for door 9. The basket is rotatably supported bya shaft 18 which is mounted in an elongated bearing 19 supported fromrear wall 20 of tub 12. The tub is also provided with an opening 21aligned with opening 17 and opening 16 so that clothes may be placedinto and removed from the basket when door 9 is opened. The door sealsagainst a suitable gasket 22 during operation of the machine.

Referring now particularly to Figure 4, and also to Figures 2 and 3,during the operation of the machine the basket 11 is driven from anelectric motor 23. The drive from the motor to the basket includes apulley 24 which is secured to the motor shaft so as to rotate therewithand over which passes a belt 25 driving an adjustable sheave assembly26. The adjustable sheave assembly includes a shaft 27 to which arerigidly secured to sheave plates 28 and 29. An intermediate sheave plate30 is keyed on shaft 27 so as to be movable along the shaft to varyingdistances from sheave plates 28 and 29. It will be observed (Figure 3)that sheave plate 28 has a sloping surface 31 which in cooperation witha sloping surface 32 on movable sheave plate 30 forms a groove 33 ofadjustable width. Similarly, on its other side movable sheave plate 30is provided with a sloping surface 34 which cooperates with a slopingsurface 35 of rigidly secured sheave plate 29 to form a second groove 36of adjustable width.

Since belt 25 has a predetermined width, it can be seen that movement ofsheave plate 30 relative to sheave plate 28 will cause the belt 25 toseat in groove 33at a distance from the center of shaft 27 which isdetermined by the distance of sheave plate 30 from sheave plate 28. Thelinear speed of belt 25 is constant, assuming the speed of motor 23 tobe substantially constant, and therefore the rotational speed of theadjustable sheave assembly 26 is dependent on the effective sheavediameter provided by the cooperation of sheave plates 28 and 30. Whenthe sheave plates 28 and 30 are in the position shown in the figures,sheave assembly 26 is rotating at a relatively low speed. When sheaveplate 30 is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 3, away from sheaveplate 28, then belt 25 will move in radially toward shaft 27 as groove33 widens and will cause a greater rotational speed of the sheaveassembly 26 for a given rotational speed of pulley 24 by motor 23.

A second belt 37 is driven in groove 36 by the sheave formed by thecooperation of sheave plates 30 and 29. When adjustable sheave plate 30is in the position shown so that groove 36 is quite wide, belt 37 has tomove in radially toward the shaft 27 a substantial amount before itseats on the surface 34 and 35 of sheave plates 30 and 29 respectively.This means that for a given rotational speed of the adjustable sheaveassembly 26 (as imparted to it by belt 25), belt 37 will be travellingat a relatively low rate of linear speed. If sheave plate 30 is moved tothe left so that belt 37 'is forced outwardly in groove 36, then for agiven rotational speed of the sheave assembly a relatively high linearspeed of belt 37 is provided. Thus, by controlling the position ofsheave plate 30, an infinite variety of speeds between the two limits ofposition on the sheave plates may be provided, with the arrangementshown in Figure 3 providing the lowest output speed to belt 37 sincebelt 25 is causing the lowest speed of rotation of sheave assembly 25and rotation of the sheave assembly 26 is causing the lowest linearspeed of belt 37. The highest rate of speed will be provided if sheaveplate 30 is moved as far as possible to the left: this will provide thehighest rotational speed of the assembly 26 for a given linear speed ofbelt 25, and the highest output linear speed of belt 37 for a givenrotational speed of assembly 26.

Belt 37 passes over a sheave 38 which forms part of a unitary assemblywith a sheave 39 driving a belt 40. Referring primarily to Figures 2 and3, it will be seen that belt 40 drives a sheave 41 which is rigidlysecured to the end of shaft 18 so as to rotate basket 11.

Returning 'now to the adjustable sheave assembly 26, and with particularreference to Figures 2 and 4, it will be observed that the assembly ismounted on an arm 42 which is pivotably secured on a pin 43 within abracket 44 secured to the base 2 of the machine. A spring 45 has one end46 secured to the machine base and has the other end 47 secured to anarm 48 which is rigidly secured to the sheave assembly 25, whereby theassembly is biased to the left as shown in Figure 2. At the outer end 49of arm 48 there is secured a chain member 50. At its other end (Figure4) chain member 5015 secured to a pulley 51 operated through a smallelectric motor and gear assembly 52. It will be seen that when pulley 51is caused to rotate by assembly 52 it will wind up chain 50 and througharm 48 will move the entire adjustable sheave assembly to the right asviewed in Figure 2 causing arm 42 to pivot to the right. Since belt 25cannot stretch, it will be apparent that when this occurs belt 25 willmove inwardly within groove 33 forcing sheave 30 to the left (as viewedin Figure 3) to effect an increase in the speed transmitted to sheave 41and basket 11. When motor and gear assembly 52 is shut off, the spring45 overcomes the motor and gear assembly and pulls the adjustable sheave26 back to the position shown in the figures to reduce the speed. Themotor and gear assembly 52 is of the type which can, without adverseeifect, remain energized although stalled; this has the result that highspeed operation is maintained only as long as energization of the motorcontinues.

The assembly of sheaves 38 and 39 is also movably mounted, on a linkagearrangement 53 pivotably secured on a pin 54 mounted within a bracket 55secured to the base 2. The linkage arrangement includes two arms 56 and57 which are pivotably secured together through a pin 58. A spring 59secured at one end 60 to the base '2 of the machine is secured at itsother end 61 to the assembly of sheaves 38 and 39 so as to bias themdownwardly and to the right as viewed in Figure 2 in order to effect abelt tensioning function for belts 37 and 40.

The proportioning of the various parts of the drive assembly abovedescribed is such as to provide an appropriate range of speeds. Forinstance, when the parts are in their positions as shown, and when thediameter of basket 11 is on the order of 26 inches, a tumbling speed ofapproximately 47 rpm. may be provided to the basket, while in the otherextreme position a suitable liquid extraction centrifuging speed, suchas, for instance, 250 rpm. may be provided.

The components for efiecting the washing operation, that is, the meansfor supplying water to the tub and for removing water from the tub areparticularly shown in Figure 2. The water supply means includesconnections 62 and 63 through which hot and cold water is supplied tothe machine for the washing operation. A valve controlled by a solenoid64 admits hot water to the machine and a valve controlled by an opposedsolenoid 65 admits coldwater to the machine. The hot and cold watervalves under the control of the solenoids 64 and 65 discharge through acommon outlet conduit'66, through a suitable air gap, and then through afunnel 67 to a sump 68 formed at the bottom of tub 12. The connectionmay be made through a suitable conduit 69, a portion of which is shownjoining funnel 67 and another portion of which is shown adjacent thesump. The air gap provided by the funnel 67 makes it impossible for thewater to be syphoned from the machine and to contaminate the incomingsupply line. A pressure-actuated sensing device or water level control70 controls both solenoids 64 and 65 to maintain the proper water levelin the machine during the washing operation. Sensing device 70 isconnected to the interior of tub 12 by a suitable line 71.

In order to discharge water from the machine through sump 68 at thebottom of tub 12 at appropriate times during the operating sequence ofthe machine, suitable means are provided. In the present case theseinclude a discharge hose 72 which leads from the sump to a motor drivendrain pump 73 which may (as shown in Figure 4) be driven directly frommotor 23 and which discharges through an outlet opening 74 to a conduit75 (Figure 2) leading to a drain valve 76 controlled by a suitablesolenoid 77 (Figure 5). Since pump 73 is continually operated by motor23, the draining of water from sump 68 is controlled by the drain Valve76, draining occurring except when solenoid 77 is energized.

Suitable means are provided to heat the clothes during the dryingportion of the cycle which follows a centrifugal "6 extractionoperation. In the present machine, these include a pair of heaters 78and 79 which are mounted within the upper portion of tub 12 so that whenener gized they heat the basket 11. When the heaters are energized,theheat transferred to the clothes basket is then passed onto the clothesto cause vapor migration out of the clothes. Since the outer cylindricalwall of the basket is perforated by a great many small spaced openings80 (Figure 3), there is also some heat from the elements which passesdirectly to the clothes by radiation.

The illustrated machine is of the type which uses cold water during thedrying cycle for condensing the moisture extracted from the clothes. Thecondenser water is admitted to the machine through an additionalsolenoid actuated valve controlled by a solenoid 81 which is energizedduring the drying operation so that the valve passes Water at a slowrate sufficient to condense from the air the moisture vaporized from theclothes. As shown, the condenser water valve discharges into a conduit82. From this conduit, the water flows through an appropriate air gap(not shown) and then through another conduit (not shown) to the inlet 83of a vent trap 84 which is of the type commonly provided in connectionwith machines of this type in order to seal off the tub and basket fromatmosphere during heat drying of the clothes while leaving the tubvented to atmosphere at other times. An appropriate construction forvent trap 84 is, for instance, fully described and claimed in Patent2,800,008, Raczynski, issued on July 23, 1957, and assigned to theGeneral Electric Company, owner of the present invention. From vent trap84 the condenser water flows into tub 12 through an opening 85 and thenflows in a thin sheet down the lower left wall 86 of the tub (Figure 2)so as to cool a substantial portion of the area of the side wall andprovide a large cool surface for condensing the moisture extracted fromthe clothes. The condenser water and the moisture extracted from theclothes during the drying operation may, of course, be discharged fromthe machine through the sump 68 by the same drain means including pump73 and valve 76 as described for removing the washing and rinsing water.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown in schematic form a controlarrangement for controlling the sequence of operation of the variouscomponents of the machine hereinabove described. It will, of course, beunderstood that in actual practice various additional interlockingarrangements of the different functions may be provided together withvarious electrically controlled safety featur'es; however, thesefrequently assume some complexity and have been omitted since they donot form a part of the invention and such circuit modifications are wellknown to those skilled in the art.

The basic operation of the means for controlling the sequence isprovided through a suitable timer motor 87 'as indicated schematicallyin Figure 5. Typically, the

cams are also manually controlled by dial 6a, so that they may berotated to cycle starting position by the operator, with motor 87 thencarrying them through the cycle. Switch 88 is engageable in its upperposition With a contact 93 and in its lower position with a contact 94.Similarly, switch 89 is engageable with either of contacts 95 and 96,switch 90 with either of contacts 97 and 98, and switch 91 with eitherof contacts 99 or 100. Switch 92 is movable into engagement with contact101.

In the particular representation of Figures 5 and 6, it is to beunderstood that each of switches 88-91 is closed with the upper contactassociated therewith during the periods indicated by the upper levellines in Figure 6, with the lower contact associated therewith duringthe periods indicated by the lower lines, and is open (between thecontacts) during the periods indicated by the intermediate level lines.Switch 92 is closed during the periods indicated by the raised levelline and is open during the periods indicated by the lower level line.In other words,

the chart of Figure 6 may be regarded for the purpose of thisexplanation as a development of the peripheries of the respective switchoperating cams.

It will further be understood that in the usually provided constructionthe switch operating cams are preferably driven by an impulse, orintermittent, motion. At switch-over points, where the chart shows oneswitch opening and another closing, the impulse type action readilyprovides a quick break action so that one switch is closedsimultaneously as the other is opened.

The power for energizing the different components shown in Figure may besupplied from a three-wire power source comprising power supply lines102 and 103 and a neutral line 104. This three-wire source may, forexample, comprise the conventional 230 volt domestic supply having avoltage of 230 volts between lines 102 and 103 and a voltage of 115volts between each of the supply lines and neutral line 104. The heatingelements 78 and 79 are connected across the 230 volt supply lines 102and 103. Energization of the heating elements is controlled by movablecontacts 105 and 106 which in turn are controlled by a relay coil 107.

All of the other components of the machine (including relay coil 107)are connected between supply line 102 and neutral line 104. Morespecifically, from supply line 102 a conductor 108 is connected throughconductors 109 and 110 in parallel with each other to contacts 97 and98. Thus, when switch 90 engages contact 97 the energizing circuit forthe components of the machine passes through the switch 90 fromconductor 109 whereas when switch 90 engages contact 98 the completionis through conductor 110. It will be observed that the omit dry switch 8is connected in conductor 110 so that completion of the circuit throughconductor 110 is provided when desired by the operator and may beomitted. Conductor 108 includes a mainswitch 111 which may, forinstance, be actuated by operation of either the regular cycle lever 8aor the delicate cycle lever 8b. Thus, whichever cycle is selected themain switch 111 is closed in order to provide operation of the machineas will be described.

From switch 90 the energizing circuit for the components continuesthrough conductor 113 to a conductor 114. In the case of the electricalcomponents which provide for the entry of water to the machine, that is,the condenser solenoid 81, the cold water solenoid 65, and the hot watersolenoid 64, the circuit to them is completed through a switch blademember 115, incorporated in water level responsive device 70. When thewater is below a predetermined level in the machine the switch arm 115is in the position shown in engagement with contact 116, and when thewater reaches a predetermined level switch arm 115 moves over intoengagement with contact 117. Thus, if there is no water in the machinethe circuit is completed to the two switch arms 88 and 89. If switch arm88 engages contact 93, the condenser water solenoid is energized. Whenswitch 88 engages contact 94, the hot Water solenoid is energized. Whenswitch arm 89 engages contact 95, the cold water solenoid is energized.It will be observed that manually operable switch 7 is arranged toconnect solenoids 64 and 65 in parallel with each other when closed, theenergization of these solenoids otherwise being entirely dependent onswitches 89 and 88 respectively.

When switch arm 89 engages contact 96, the heater relay 107 is energizedprovided a thermostatic switch 118 is in the position shown. When switch118 moves to its open position, as occurs when a predeterminedtemperature is reached in the machine during operation of heatingelements 78 and 79, the circuit to the heater relay 107 is openedregardless of the timer action so that the 8 machine is prevented fromany'temperature greater than that desired beingexperienced bythe-clothes in the machine. Of course, switch 118 may be made adjustablein the conventional manner to provide for various temperatures to beselected by the operator.

Returning to the connection of conductors 113 and 114 from switch 90, itwill be seen that they also extend to switch 91: when switch 91 engagescontact 99 it provides for energization of the small motor and gearassembly 52 to cause acceleration of the basket until the adjustablesheave assembly 26 has been moved all the way over the right as viewedin Figure 2; when switch 91 is in its other closed position inengagement with contact 100, the drain valve solenoid 77 is energized toclose the drain valve and prevent water from being pumped out of themachine. In addition, conductor 114 is connected through timer switch 92to timer motor 87 and then through conductor 112 to the other side ofthe line so that the operation of the timer motor is thus, as shown,generally dependent on the closing of switch 92.

It will be observed that the main motor 23 is connected by a conductor119 between conductor 114 and supply line 104 and that in parallel withthe main motor there is a conductor 120 connected to a small motor 121which, when energized, continually opens and closes a switch 122. Inseries with switch 122 is a manual switch 8b, which when closedcompletes an energizing circuit through the switches 122 and 8b for theaccelerating motor and gear assembly 52 which is independent of thetimer switch 91. In other words, timer switch 91 and cam Dwhich-controls it represent a first control means for causingacceleration of the basket, and may be used to cause the basket toaccelerate to its spin speed in order to effect centrifugal extractionof liquid from the clothes. Switch 122 is used on the other hand as asecond control means to provide a brief acceleration of the assembly 52to cause the speed of the basket to be raised to a level which, whilesubstantially higher than the ordinary tumbling speed, should preferablynot reach a value substantially greater than that required to plasterthe clothes about the inner surface of the basket. This may be achievedin the construction shown in the drawing by having switch 122 opened forfive seconds and then closed for ten seconds repeatedly by the operationof the motor 121.

One further point to be covered before describing the operation of themachine of this invention is that when water level responsive switch 115is moved into engagement with contact 117, it permits completion of acircuit through conducer 123 to timer motor 87 independently of thetimer switch 92.

The operation of the machine will now be described with particularreference to Figures 5 and 6 and with the assumption that the operatorwishes to select a hot water wash for regular fabrics. The switch 7 isleft open and, in view of the fact that regular fabrics are to be washedrather than delicate, switch 8b is left open so that the opening andclosing of switch 122 is without effect on the operation of the machine.It will further be assumed that it is desired that the drying operationfollow automatically after the extraction of liquid from the clothes,and therefore switch 8 is left in its ordinary closed position. With theselection of regular wash by depression of lever 8a, switch 111 isclosed.

At the beginning of the cycle it will be observed that cam B has causedengagement of switch 89 with contact 95, cam C has caused engagement ofswitch with contact 97 and cam D has caused engagement of switch 91 withcontact 100. The closure of switch 90 with contact 97 and of switch 89with contact causes a. circuit to be completed, starting from supplyline 102, through conductor 108, switch 111, conductor 109, switch 90,conductors 113 and 114, switch arm 115, switch 89, solenoid 64 andneutral line 104. Because of this, solenoid 64 is energized and opensits associated hot water valve to permit hot water to be introduced tothe machine. Be-

9 cause switch 88 is open, no cold water is introduced at this time. Itwill, however, be observed that if switch 7 had been closed solenoid 65would have been energized in parallel with solenoid 64 to cause warmwater to be introduced.

When a suitable level for clothes washing purposes is reached withinbasket 11 switch arm 115 moves out of engagement with switch 116 andinto engagement with contact 117. This deenergizes the valve solenoidsand, through conductor 123, causes energization of timer motor 87 tostart rotation of cams A, B, C, D and E. It will be observed that duringall the time that water is being introduced to the machine the closureof switch 90 causes the drive motor 23 to be energized through line 119so that the clothes are tumbled. This action, of course, continues aslong as switch 90 is closed so that after the proper water level hasbeen reached the clothes continue to be tumbled in the water to effectwashing thereof. The energization of motor 87 permits the washingoperation to continue for a suitable period of, for instance, 7 minutes,and then, shortly before the end of the washing operation the timermotor causes cam E to close switch 92. This locks in the timer motor sothat it is independent of the water level sensing device 70.

Shortly thereafter, cam B opens its associated switch 89 and cam D opensits associated switch 91. The opening of switch 89 prevents energizationof solenoid 64 independently of the water level control device 70. Theopening of switch 91 causes de-energization of the drain valve solenoid77, with the result that the operation of pump 73 through its directconnection to drive motor 23 drains the water out of the basket 11.

After the water has been drained out over an appropriate period of, forinstance, two impulses of the timer (1 /2 minutes in the conventionalcase where each impulse takes 45 seconds) the valve solenoid 77 isre-energized to close the valve and prevent water from being removedwhile at the same time cam A causes switch 88 to engage contact 94 toenergize the cold water valve solenoid. Since the machine is now emptyof water, switch 115 is back in position to permit energization of thevalve solenoid 65 and cold water enters the machine for a rinseoperation. At the end of the rinse operation, which may be allowed tolast on the order of two impulses, both solenoids 65 and solenoid 77 arede-energized again to prevent further entry of water and to provide fordraining of water from the machine. An appropriate number of additionalrinse and drain operations may be provided as shown. Also, while coldwater is preferably used in the first rinse operation, one appropriatecycle provides for instance for warm water in the second and third rinseoperations by energization of both solenoids 64 and 65, and for the useof hot water in the last and fourth rinse operation.

After the water has been drained from the last rinse I operation, cam Dmoves switch 91 into engagement with contact 99 to cause energization ofthe gear motor assembly 52. This accelerates the basket to a relativelyhigh I spin speed which may, as stated, be on the order of 250 rpm, thehigh centrifuging speed causing the rinse water to be extracted from theclothes by centrifugal force. The water so removed from the clothesflows down into the sump and is removed by pump 73 in the same manner aas the wash and rinse water. At the end of three impulses,

the spin operation is interrupted by opening switch 91 to cause a returnto tumble speed. After this, switch 91 is again caused to engage contact99 to provide the remainder of the spin operation.

After the spin, cam C causes switch 90 to engage contact 98, cam Acauses switch 88 to engage contact 93 to.

provide condenser water for the drying operation, cam B comprises switch89 to engage contact 96 to energize relay 107 to cause, in turn,energization of heaters 78 and 79.

Provided the omit-dry switch 8 has not been opened,

the effect of the engagement of switch with contact 98 is the same as ifit engaged contact 97, that is, the operation continues. If, however,switch 8 has been opened it will be observed at this point that allcomponents of the machine are rile-energized and that the operation isended so that the operator may remove the damp dry clothes from themachine. However, in our assumed operation the switch 8 has not beenopened so that the drying operation proceeds, with heaters 78 and 79causing drying of the clothes and operation of condenser valve 81causing de-humidific-ation of the air in the dryer. This continues for asuitable period of time, as selected by timer 87, at the end of whichthe timer opens the switch 89 to permit the clothes to continue totumble for a period of several impulses so that they may coo-1 downbefore being handled by the operator. After this cool down period, thetimer then opens all the remaining switches 88, 90 and 92 to end theoperation. It will be seen that this is a relatively typical type ofoperation of a combination washer-dryer machine, with the machineproviding a sequence first a washing operation, second a liquidextracting centrifugal operation, and third a heat drying operation.

Let it now be assumed that for the next operation of the machine theoperator intends to wash relatively delicatefabrics. In this case shedepresses lever 8b, and quite probably closes switch 7 to select warmwater instead of hot water. By proper setting of the thermostat 118 at arelatively low temperature the operator may well be able to provide thedesired heat drying operation and thus again leave the omit dry switch 8closed. The closing of switch 7 provides, instead of hot and cold waterat various times, warm water at all times to prevent any harm fromoccurring to the delicate fabrics. The closing of switch 8b has theimportant effect of making the switch 122 effective, whenever switch 91is open, to energize the assembly 52 when closed and de-energize it whenopen. The effect of the closing and opening of switch 122 is to make thespeed of the basket rotation vary from a low of, for instance, 44r.p.m., up to a high of on the order of 60 r.p.m. It has been found thatby having the switch closed 10 seconds and open 5 seconds, and byvarying the speed between the two limits named, the clothes are tumblingfor approximately 50% of the time during the washing operation, and areplastered to the basket the other 50% of the time. It is obvious thatthe major part of clothes wear due to washing results from themechanical washing action, that is, the tumbling. While this isnecessary to some extent for all washings, it is preferable to reducethe mechanical washing action without reducing the chemical washingaction (by the soap, detergent, etc.) for relatively delicate fabrics.The provision of switch 122 and its alternate opening and closingachieves this goal: by causing tumbling half the time, there is adesired limited amount of mechanical washing action, with the clothesthe remainder of the time being plastered to the basket wall but stillpassing through the washing solution. In this manner, by the simpleaddition of the interrupter switch 122 and its controlling motor 121, aspecial cycle is provided which is of a highly desirable nature for thewashing of delicate garments.

It will, of course, further be observed that with the circuit shown thespin operation will take place in its usual manner upon the closing ofswitch 91 with contact 99 since the opening of switch 122 will then bewithout effect to de-energize assembly 52. After the spin operation, theswitch 122 again takes over control of the assembly 52 to provide thealternate tumbling and plastered condition of the clothes during thedrying operation. It has further been found that this alternativecondition of the clothes during drying also has desirable results, theheat transfer to the clothes being improved while the clothes arecentrifuged and the evaporated moisture having the best opportunity tomigrate to the condenser durin tumbling. I

It will ofcourse readily be observed that the circuitry shown in Figure5 may be provided with switch 8b continually closed if only a singletype of cycle is desired in a particular machine, and that the time theswitch is opened and closed may be varied for various purposes. Thus, ithas been found that the manufacturing tolerances may be far more liberalwhen a variable speed tumbling action is provided by the opening andclosing of switch 122. This results from the fact, as described above,that if the tumbling speed is held constant it must be prevented fromvarying more than 3 or 4 rpm. over the life of the machine.

The structure thus represents the further major advantage that when soused it greatly facilitates manufacturing of the machine while at thesame time obtaining the improved drying characteristics mentioned above.

It will be obvious that various modifications may be made in theconstruction set forth above: one such modification which readily occursis the provision of a circuit wherein the delicate and regular cyclesare obtained as described above, but only for the washing operation,with continuous tumbling being provided for the drying operation. Also,another construction which becomes obvious when the subject inventionhas been disclosed is the provision of a structure whereby, to obtaindifferent types of cycles, the ratio of open to closed time of switch122 during a given cycle is varied; such a construction, providingdifferent total tumbling times, could readily be used instead of the onor oil? arrangement described.

Thus, while in accordance with the patent statutes I have described whatat present is considered to be the preferred embodiment of my invention,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications, including but not limited to those mentioned above, maybe made therein without departing from the invention, and I thereforeaim in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modificationsas fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

l. A laundry machine comprising a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; drive means for rotating saidcontainer; means for varying the speed at which said drive means rotatessaid container; first control means for causing said speed varying meansto increase the rotation of said container from a'low clothes tumblingspeed to a high liquid extracting speed; second control means forcausing said speed varying means to continually vary the rotation ofsaid container between said clothes tumbling speed and. a speed higherthan said clothes tumbling speed; and means for providing first awashing operation in said container during control of said speed varyingmeans by said second control means, then a centrifuging operation insaid container during control of said speed varying means by said firstcontrol means, then a drying operation in said container during controlof said speed varying means by said second control means.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said second control meanscauses said speed varying means to vary the rotation of said containerbetween said clothes tumbling speed and a speed high enough tocentrifugally plaster clothes against the inner surface of saidcontainer.

3. A laundry machine comprising a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; a belt drive including an adjustablesheave for transmitting rotation to said container, said drivetransmitting a predetermined low speed when said adjustable sheave is inone extreme position, a predetermined maximum speed when said adjustablesheave is in its other extreme position, and being infinitely variablebetween said positions; means for moving said adjustable sheave betweensaid positions; first control means for causing said sheath moving meansto move said adjustable sheave to a position causing said container torotate at a high liquid extracting speed; second control means forcausing said sheath moving means tomove said adjustable sheave back :andforth to continually vary therotation of said container between clothesmoving means by said second control means, then a centrifuging operationin said container during control of said sheath moving means by saidfirst control means, then a drying operation in said container duringcontrol of said sheath moving means by said second control means.

4. The apparatus defined in claim 3 wherein said second control meansvaries the rotation of said container between said clothes tumblingspeed and a speed high enough to centrifugally plaster clothes againstthe inner surface of said container.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 3 wherein spring means are secured tosaid adjustable sheave to bias it to its clothes-tumbling extreme lowspeed position, and said sheath moving means includes an electric gearmotor assembly effective when energized to move said adjustable sheavetoward its other extreme position.

6. A laundry machine comprising .a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; drive means for rotating saidcontainer, means biasing said drive means to rotate said container at aclothes tumbling speed; means for varying the speed at which said drivemeans rotates said container; first control means for causing said speedvarying means to overcome said biasing means thereby to increase therotation of said container from said clothes tumbling speed to a highliquid extracting speed; second control means for causing said speedvarying means to intermittently overcome said biasing means so as tocontinually vary the rotation of said container between said clothestumbling speed and a speed high enough to centriiugally plaster clothesagainst the inner surface of said container; means for providing first awashing operation in said container during control of said speed varyingmeans by said second control means, then a centrifuging operation insaid container during control of said speed varying means by said firstcontrol means, then a drying operation in said container during controlof said speed varying means by said second control means; and manuallyoperable means for disabling said second control means to prevent itfrom having any effect on said speed varying means during said washingoperation and said drying operation.

7. A laundry machine comprising a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; drive means for rotating saidcontainer, means biasing said drive means to rotate said container atclothes tumbling speed; means for varying the speed at which said drivemeans rotates said container; first control means for causing said speedvarying means to increase the rotation of said container from saidclothes tumbling speed to a high liquid extractiug speed; second controlmeans for causing said speed varying means to continuously vary therotation of said container between clothes tumbling speed and a speedhigh enough to centrifugally plaster clothes against the inner surfaceof said container; means for providing first a washing operation in saidcontainer during control of said speed varying means by said secondcontrol means, and then a centrifuging operation in said containerduring control of said drive means by said first control means; andmanually operable means for disabling said second control means fromaffecting said speed varying means during said washing operation.

8. A laundry machine comprising a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; belt drive means for rotating saidcontainer, said belt drive means including an adjustable sheave assemblyhaving first and second extreme positions, means biasing said sheaveassembly to one of said extreme positions, said sheave assembly in saidone extreme position causing rotation of said container at a clothestumbling speed and in the other of said extreme positions causingrotation of said container at a high liquid extracting speed; means forvarying the speed at which said drive means rotates said containercomprising an electric gear motor assembly operable when energized tomove said adjustable sheave assembly from said first extreme positiontowards said second extreme position; first control means for energizingsaid gear motor assembly to increase the rotation of said container froma low clothes tumbling speed to a high liquid extracting speed; secondcontrol means for alternately energizing and de-energizing said gearmotor assembly to continually vary the rotation of said containerbetween said clothes tumbling speed and a speed high enough tocentrifugally plaster clothes against the inner surface of saidcontainer; means for providing first a washing operation in saidcontainer during control of said gear motor assembly by said secondcontrol means, and then a centrifuging operation in said containerduring said control of said gear motor assembly by said first controlmeans; and manually operable means for disabling said second controlmeans from energizing said gear motor assembly.

9. A laundry machine comprising a clothes container rotatable on asubstantially non-vertical axis; drive means for rotating saidcontainer, said drive means being biased to a position wherein itrotates said container at clothes tumbling speed; means for increasingthe speed at which said drive means rotates said container comprising anelectric gear motor assembly; first and second circuits for energizingsaid gear motor assembly; a timer mechanism; switch means in said firstcircuit operable by said timer mechanism to complete said circuitthereby to increase the rotation of said container from a low clothestumbling speed to a high liquid extracting speed for a predeterminedperiod; switch means in said second circuit; means alternately openingand closing said second circuit switch means during operation of saidmachine, for causing said drive means to continually vary the rotationof said continer between clothes tumbling speed and a speed high enoughto centrifugally plaster clothes against the inner surface of saidcontainer; said timer mechanism including means for providing first awashing operation in said container, then providing a centrifugingoperation in said container, and then providing a drying operation insaid container, said timer mechanism opening said first circuit switchmeans during said washing and drying operations and closing said firstcircuit switch means during said centrifuging operation.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 9 including a manually operableswitch in said second circuit in series with said second circuit switchmeans, said manually operable switch having an open position and aclosed position.

No references cited.

UNITED STATES \PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTION Patent No.2,961,861 November 29, 1960 Joseph C. Worst certified that error appearsin the above numbered pat- It is hereby ection and that the said LettersPatent should read as ent requiring corr corrected below.

Column 11, read sheave column 12, lines 5, 8, 10 and 19, for "sheath",each occurrence, read sheave same column 12, line 63, for "'drive readspeed varying Signed and sealed this 2nd day of May 1961.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W, SWIDER Attesting Officer DAVID La LADD Commissioner of Patentslines 72 and 75, for sheath, each occurrence,

